The Hindu 08.08.2012
Steps to free Salem city of plastics
In an attempt to prevent excessive use of plastic bags
and curb indiscriminate dumping of plastic in public places, City
Municipal Corporation has decided to seek consensus from the
manufacturers, commercial establishments and the public, before
enforcing a ban on the use of below 40 micron plastic bags.
Officials
said that instead of enforcing a ban and forcing citizens to follow, a
meeting would be called next week to discuss problems of using plastics,
difficulties in implementing and arrive at a consensus. Manufacturers,
trade associations, commercial establishments, retail traders,
departmental store representatives and the public would attend the
meeting. Only if plastic bags less than 40 microns were manufactured and
sold, it would be used by the public. Hence manufacturers would be
asked to produce accordingly. Alternative methods like encouraging the
use of jute bags would also be discussed in the meeting.
At
next stage, school and college students would be roped in to educate
the public to deter the use of plastic and would be asked to carry their
own bags while purchasing items. Residents would be asked not to dump
plastic bags in open places as drains, sewerage systems are getting
choked by plastic bags, the officials added.
The
civic body would place 100 new bins on major roads like Sarada College
Road, Omalur Main Road, Trichy Road, Attur Main Road to make it a
litter-free zone. Two compactors, purchased at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh,
would ensure the bins are cleaned regularly and provide a hygienic
atmosphere. Of the total 60 wards, civic body is involved in collecting
garbage from 39 wards, while a private contractor is involved in the
process at 21 wards.
